Lifting my K5

[ccarley]

You know, there is something to be said for an engine that (although is stock) runs well, starts every time, and doesn't overheat or get temperamental, especially for a daily driver.

If this were a weekend rig, and not the vehicle I had to rely on every day, sure thing I'd do what I could to hop it up. Fat cam, low gears, intake, headers, high stall converter, and maybe even some bored out heads. But that won't be so much fun to drive every day.

By the way, are you sure the rear is open? The gov-lock does feel open if testing by hand, until you spin a tire fast enough. Check the glove box for code "G80".

Clay

 

[MAX89K5]

Let that 350 eat! I wouldn't worry about it for now, especially if it only has 20k

 

[newk5driver]

Clay does it mean it's open if when I burn out only one tire spins?

 

[ccarley]

Sure sounds open! But after looking at the gov-lock (gov bomb) in person I would double check to be sure.

Here's what a gov-lock looks like in a 12-bolt:

Notice the fragile tiny parts in there. Best to make sure you don't have one before doing too many burnouts! This one was locking up going around bends on the street when warm.

Here's what mine looks like inside now:

Well, during installation anyway. That's the Detroit/ Eaton True Trac. Much stronger!

Check that glove box door for "G80"

In any case, just remember that if you get more power from your engine, there may be other things down the line that won't like it too much. There's a reason why a lot of guys install heavier duty axles underneath. But don't forget everything in between; transmission, transfer case, u-joints. Power can be fun but broken down on the side of the road isn't.

Clay

PS the guy that sold me that 12-bolt axle told me it had an open diff...

 

[paratrooper307]

Sure sounds open! But after looking at the gov-lock (gov bomb) in person I would double check to be sure.

Here's what a gov-lock looks like in a 12-bolt:

Notice the fragile tiny parts in there. Best to make sure you don't have one before doing too many burnouts! This one was locking up going around bends on the street when warm.

Here's what mine looks like inside now:

Well, during installation anyway. That's the Detroit/ Eaton True Trac. Much stronger!

Check that glove box door for "G80"

In any case, just remember that if you get more power from your engine, there may be other things down the line that won't like it too much. There's a reason why a lot of guys install heavier duty axles underneath. But don't forget everything in between; transmission, transfer case, u-joints. Power can be fun but broken down on the side of the road isn't.

Clay

PS the guy that sold me that 12-bolt axle told me it had an open diff...

A lot of people don't know what they have. The guy I bought my 3/4 ton axles from said it had a True-trac in the front, but when I pulled it apart there was a Lock-rite in there. Not that I'm complaining for $150 bucks for the set...

 

[newk5driver]

So even if it's not open does that mean it's broken if only one tire spins?

 

[paratrooper307]

So even if it's not open does that mean it's broken if only one tire spins?

If it's a gov-lock, it will act like an open differential until you hit a certain wheel speed. If you spin it by hand, only one tire will spin.

 

[newk5driver]

That sucks I want both wheels spinning right away. Burnout

 

[chulisohombre]

If you're doing burn outs your axels won't last long no Matter if they are open or not once you put bigger tires on there. I blew up a twelve bolt that way on 35s. And I was in the dirt doing donuts. If I were you I'd stick with the 2 inch lift and 33s. Once you step up from the stock 30 inch tires it will be a lot more stress on all of you parts. The engine sounds to be a good one and I would use it for all its worth then upgrade when it's worn out. That bb is only going to suck gas and you'll be lucky to get 7-8 mpg out of it. Especially driving it like a 16 year old. Lol. The mix of big power and light axels with big tires and you're going to break something with that kind of mix. The best thing I can say is leave it for awhile and enjoy it. Make sure you have someone helping you that has some clue as to what their doing. Nothing sucks more than having a truck you can't drive that's in pieces or broke down. Congrats on the new truck and have some fun before you tear it apart. Learn how to do small stuff first and work your way up. Its a great vehicle to learn from. Easy to work on and lots of parts still available.

 

[77k5boss]

Stay away ft om rough country. It's cheap for a reason. I hit the 6 inch kit from them. Now I'm saving for a whole new set of springs. I want to get some 6 inches that will get me as close to a factory ride as possible but haven't found any yet.

 

[Greg72]

Hi, like my title said I am wanting to lift my k5 I'm 16 and don't have a ton of money so I have a slight budget. All advice is appreciated.

Is it worth it to put a medium built 468 big block Chevy in my blazer?

-G

 

[newk5driver]

Okay I have money to buy gas, I wanted to build a budget lift, I'm getting a 2 inch lift with 33s and my 468 is going in a 66 chevelle or my 86 k5 blazer.

 

[chulisohombre]

If you call off road design they can custom build springs for you that will ride better than stick and give ou the lift you need. They are the better if all the places to get exactly what you need. The build pretty much anything gm lift related you can think of. If you can't afford their lift skyjacker ez rides are the best off the shelf lift and can be had for Around 600 bucks with all you need to do The swap. 2 inch might be cheaper than 4-6 inch lift. If you Want to Put the big block in the blazer you will need stiffer springs in the front to Keep it from sagging With the extra Weight if that's what you End up doing. If you do 3 inch now for 33s and end up wanting 35s after that tou can do a zero rate On all four corners or the one inch body lift and it will fit 35s pretty good later on. It's unlimited on what your Options are. Some more Expensive Than others. Weigh your options and what you are going to want in the future so you don't waste time and money now. Craigslist may find something used you
Can use or on here in the fs section.

 

[newk5driver]

Does anyone have a slightly used 4 inch lift kit they would sell?

 

[Richcz28]

Does anyone have a slightly used 4 inch lift kit they would sell?

That goes in the wanted section

 

[Deuling]

Leave it the fock alone and enjoy it


That's what id tell myself if I could go back in time a few years.


Id have just done a 350 rebuild with tbi, and freshened up the drivetrain and wear parts, and called it good. But NOO... I had to go bigger motor, and then build the tranny with a stall, then I had to lift it, so now it has custom springs, crossover steering, reid racing knuckle, then I bought some fancy Fox shocks, and air bumps, and now its about to get a full cage... And its cool and all, but for someone on a budget, its received all my extra $$$, and I could have had it freshened up and had a nice car, for what ive spent. Now I have all my money in a vehicle I only drive 3 months a year in the summer, and I dd a POS that scares me.

Im telling you, from someone who was your age not all that long ago... especially in a dd, you should just make it a good driver, and enjoy it.

But ill watch you spend or not spend your money either way. This website is REALLY good at convincing you to spend all of your $$$.


Oh yah, and welcome to CK5, and hit me up if you go to Silver Lake sometime.

 

[newk5driver]

Anyone know the best shocks to get with a 4 inch lift kit?

 

[ccarley]

http://www.allshocks.com/TRUCK/CHEVROLET/1986/Blazer Full Size 4WD

Scroll down to 5100 series.

 

[jekquistk5]

Welcome!! and 5150's are the best bang for the buck. Where did you find a rust free k5 in MI? I'm looking at heading to california to pick one up.

 

[Kocher93]

Leave it the fock alone and enjoy it


That's what id tell myself if I could go back in time a few years.


Id have just done a 350 rebuild with tbi, and freshened up the drivetrain and wear parts, and called it good. But NOO... I had to go bigger motor, and then build the tranny with a stall, then I had to lift it, so now it has custom springs, crossover steering, reid racing knuckle, then I bought some fancy Fox shocks, and air bumps, and now its about to get a full cage... And its cool and all, but for someone on a budget, its received all my extra $$$, and I could have had it freshened up and had a nice car, for what ive spent. Now I have all my money in a vehicle I only drive 3 months a year in the summer, and I dd a POS that scares me.

Im telling you, from someone who was your age not all that long ago... especially in a dd, you should just make it a good driver, and enjoy it.

But ill watch you spend or not spend your money either way. This website is REALLY good at convincing you to spend all of your $$$.


Oh yah, and welcome to CK5, and hit me up if you go to Silver Lake sometime.

This so freaking hard. I haven't wheeled my truck since high school, all I have been doing is collecting parts and spending money, caught up in a build. I am just now realizing I need to get something more practical. For my age I make good money and it still is a big spending issue. Get it running good and reliable and leave it. Hell, I'm leaving my K5 for a Cummins.